Hitman World of Assassination is still amazing despite struggles on Switch 2

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With the debut of Nintendo Switch 2, Agent 47 steps onto another gaming landscape. The Hitman World of Assassination (WoA) – Signature Edition has been released, offering those who haven’t previously delved into this engaging sandbox a chance to try their hand at video game assassinations. Having played Hitman WoA on PC, PS4, and PS5, I thought it would be interesting to give it a whirl on the Switch 2 and evaluate how well it performs.

Introducing Agent 47

In essence, when you purchase Nintendo Switch 2’s Signature Edition, you’re not just getting one game, but a trilogy – Hitman (2016), Hitman 2, and Hitman 3, along with additional content such as Contracts, Escalations, Elusive Targets and Elusive Target Arcade, Freelancer mode, and all the expansion packs for Hitman 2 and Hitman 3 Deluxe content. In other words, you’re getting three games plus a lot of extras at the price of one, which is quite a steal.

What sets Hitman apart from many other games is its exceptional replay value. Each level offers countless hours of unpredictable gameplay and a rewarding progression system. The Signature Edition includes 25 maps, and if you dive deep into the Freelancer mode like I do, it can easily extend your playtime by hundreds of hours.

In most maps of the game, there is a primary objective linked to the campaign, along with smaller objectives for expansions or additional content (DLC). When a player selects a mission on one of these maps, Diana, 47’s handler, provides the assassin with their target or multiple targets. Players then can explore the map from a starting point and attempt to locate the individuals Diana wants eliminated. Each level offers numerous challenges, which include tasks like taking out targets under specific conditions or performing various other activities within the game environment. As you complete these challenges, you gain Mastery levels, giving you access to new weapons and equipment that can be used in any level. Initially, when you start in the Paris map from Hitman (2016), you may not have many advanced tools at your disposal. However, by completing missions such as Carpathian Mountains in Hitman 3, you’ll acquire a variety of useful gear that can be utilized back in Paris to experiment with new strategies. Completing challenges also opens up alternative starting locations and stash options, allowing for fresh perspectives on levels or the ability to hide gear deep behind enemy lines for future use.

This game offers a tremendous amount of playtime, estimated at hundreds of hours, thanks to its optional features. Furthermore, Hitman World of Assassination comes with Elusive Targets, real-time, in-game events where you can assassinate a specific target within a certain map for a limited period. You only get one chance. If you fail, the mission is locked until that target reappears, which could take months or even years. However, there’s an exception with Elusive Target Arcade, as it’s always accessible for you to explore. Both modes provide exclusive rewards.

Once you complete the primary storyline and game mechanics, there’s an option called Freelancer Mode. In this mode, you pursue fresh targets on maps you’ve previously explored. Freelancer Mode operates like a rogue-like game. You begin with minimal equipment and gradually acquire more gear through purchases or collection. The gear you gather is essential for missions, helping you earn additional money and new equipment. Important to note, if you perish in a mission, you lose the gear you were carrying and must reacquire it. Essentially, Freelancer Mode offers double the gameplay opportunities compared to Hitman’s main campaign, without resorting to exaggeration.

In simpler terms, let me emphasize that Hitman World of Assassination is among the top-tier games currently sold, period. To add to this, purchasing the Signature Edition is essentially getting several high-end titles at a single price. It’s incredibly advantageous in an overly positive manner.

Should you buy Hitman World of Assassination on Switch 2?

If you don’t already own Hitman: World of Assassination (WoA) on another platform and aren’t inclined to get it there, then indeed, purchasing it for the Nintendo Switch 2 could be a great choice. However, if you currently have WoA on PS5, Xbox X|S, or PC and are satisfied with your experience, this information may not apply unless you value the portability that the Switch 2 offers. Regrettably, the Switch 2 is less optimal for playing World of Assassination due to frequent frame rate drops in most levels. These issues persist even in small, NPC-free areas like Hawke’s Bay before targets are triggered. To verify this, I ran through the same levels on both the PS5 and Switch 2, with the PS5 providing a smooth performance at all times, similar to the PC version. I didn’t test the Xbox Series X|S version, so I can’t comment on that.

What about handheld?

I encountered a couple of challenges while playing Hitman: World of Assassination on Nintendo Switch 2. Firstly, my inexperience with controllers made the gameplay difficult for me. Secondly, the mini map was so small that it was hard for me to distinguish the important symbols clearly. Although some players might find it easier to see the tiny details on the map, I personally found it challenging due to my less-than-perfect controller skills and perhaps less-than-ideal eyesight compared to others, despite not having any vision problems.

The biggest compliment

In terms of my affinity for the Hitman series, it’s hard to find someone as passionate as I am these days. The World of Assassination (WoA) is a regular destination for me, whether I’m completing Elusive Targets or simply uncovering new gadgets and goodies for Agent 47 to utilize. When I began playing on Switch 2, I was immediately engrossed in the progression system, where you can unlock new weapons, starting locations, and hideouts by advancing your gameplay. I found myself working tirelessly to increase my Mastery levels in Paris because I desired the ICA 19 Silverballer, and returning to the Final Test to acquire the Lockpick. This gameplay loop is one of the best around and has been for a decade, with IO Interactive continuing to impress without showing any signs of slowing down. If Switch 2 is your only means of play, don’t hesitate – dive in and don’t look back! Be aware not to keep looking back and forth as it may affect your frame rate.

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2025-06-18 00:18